on tiptoe
The phrase "on tiptoe" can describe both a physical posture and a figurative state of anticipation.
🇺🇸 US Voice:
🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B1Physical Movement
(general)Standing or walking on the balls of the feet with the heels lifted.
Example
- She walked on tiptoe to avoid waking the baby.
B2Anticipation
(figurative)In a state of eager expectation or excitement.
Example
- The children were on tiptoe waiting for the magician to start the show.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on tiptoe":
tiptoe aroundout on one's feetpoint one's toeslight on one's feettoe danceon one's feettip overwalk on eggshellstoe inin steptoe to toetoes upon one's legson footon the front footon the high ropehead upon the hopon one's kneestread softlyhigh up